Jean Gregory Haskell
Thoughts & Words by Helen Gregory McHone
Put to verse by Pam Kelley Brush
My sister Jean was three years older…
And as “big” sisters go, was quite bossy.. I told her!
For example one time when I was just ten
She told me to learn a song and then –
She told me I must sing it for dad and mom
while she played the music and strummed along
on her NEW guitar.
The song was called
My Pretty Red wing”,
I was terrified. I did not want to sing!
But Jean let me know that I had no choice
I would sing that song in my very best voice
So though I was nervous.
Of her I was in AWE!
And I knew whatever she said was the LAW!
So sing it I did and it all went well
Mom and Dad loved it. We both could tell.
But as we grew older the age gap grew smaller.
We had husbands and kids. every day I would call her.
She was so outgoing – the adventurous kind
Yet with a young boys she would always find time
…for Barbara and me.
Barbara was our younger sister
A real Auntie Mame!
The one in the family with fortune and fame
She worked overseas but would visit us yearly
And bring each of us gifts. We all loved her dearly!
Barbara died in 2000 We all felt the pain
But our love for her will always remain..
..Deep in our hearts.
I know you met Jean in the moment she died
to take her with you, to the other side.
I miss you both but I’m trying to be brave
So for heaven’s sake please try to behave…
Til I get there!!
I miss you dear Jean. I wish I could go
To your special memorial, I do love you so.
But somehow I got older. Long trips mate me ill.
But I’ll be there in spirit. You know that I will.
For you loved San Diego. The west coast was for you.
But you missed autumns back here. I know that to be true.
You came back to visit one year in the fall
we took a trip back in time and we both had a ball!
You leave A wonderful sons and their families behind
We all really miss you. You were one of a find.
A truly great sister, and a fabulous mother
An auntie deeply loved, unlike any other.
Kurt, Kris, Karl and Kevin too
will always be a tribute to you.
For you will live on for as long as we do
In the stories and memories that were made up by you.
Love you forever Jean.
Helen